How Can Cell Phone Related Accidents be Prevented?

November 26, 2013

To answer this question, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called on states to enact a comprehensive ban on the use of portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Although the political optics of this type of ban may be appealing, the question left unanswered is why this strategy would succeed given the general lack of effectiveness of current state laws that ban cell phone use while driving.

One response is that targeting all uses and types of devices would ease the burden on law enforcement authorities of proving that a driver observed using a cell phone was engaged in texting or talking. There is no sound reason to think checking one's Facebook status or checking email on a cell phone is any safer than texting or talking on a cell phone, which might justify a global ban. However, critics of this approach worry this will limit the ability to use mobile phones for purposes like GPS navigation.

The real key to deterring use of mobile phones, iPads, tablet computers, Kindles and other handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle might be a wider awareness of the magnitude of the risk associated with operating portable electronic devices while driving. Our Georgia distracted driving attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to the goal of raising public awareness of the danger posed by distracted drivers. Our award winning Don't Text & Drive Campaign has been going strong since 2009, and includes a combination of television public service announcements throughout Georgia, digital billboards, and news segments as part of our ongoing efforts to make Georgia motorists safer. Our goal is to promote widespread recognition that texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving are like DUI in that both are unacceptable risks. A national prohibition on the use of handheld electronic communication devices while driving might also raise public awareness regarding the seriousness of the risk posed by this type of driving conduct.

In terms of changing attitudes toward the acceptability of using an iPhone, Android phone or other cellular phone while driving, a number of studies have shown drivers often still engage in distracted driving. A NOPUS poll, which is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics, revealed that at any moment in time there are approximately 660,000 drivers manipulating portable electronic devices. This number has been rising annually since the study was conducted in 2010 according to the official distracted driving website for the federal government.

Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys encourage you to contact us directly to set up a free consultation. Our experienced Georgia accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.

Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Please Note:Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.